Writing a Blind or Visually Impaired Character
A Multi-Step Guide Written by a Visually Impaired Writer and Blogger
I’m hoping this blog will over time develop its own following, and when it does people will inevitably see my bio and notice what I included: I’m visually impaired.
Yes, a visually impaired writer, and I’ve written with two blind characters before so I have some practice in the field.
So, inevitably, someone is going to ask how to write a blind character.
Or, at least, I hope you’ll ask someone who’s actually blind or visually impaired about writing a blind character before you get too involved with your new WIP.
All parts will be tagged #blindcharacter in my blog, and I will add links to every post as I finish each part. Follow my blog for more writing advice.
Note, this post updates fairly often and old versions are still floating around out there. The most current version of this post is pinned to my blog with any new guides or links you might of missed.
As of 29 June 2022, this is the most extensive and screen reader friendly version of this post.
In which I tell you how to begin making a blind character who is more than a cardboard cutout
In which I give you a basic rundown on how to write from the perspective of a character who can’t see and still make the narration descriptive
Your blind readers will thank you for not being the 5000th person to do this and manage to actually finish your story. (Do you have any idea how many stories I’ve noped out of within two chapters because of these clichés? A Lot.)
Everything I can tell you about 1) how to learn how to use a cane 2) how a cane works 3) how to describe what your character experiences with their cane 4) everything I know on guide dogs
5 January 2021 Edit: This link has been fixed to correspond with the correct post
Or, really, very normal everyday things for blind people, the inclusion of which will make your characters more real and authentic. It’s the tiny details.
There’s no way to write a cure for your blind character that doesn’t make blind readers hate you. Sorry. We came here to finally experience a relatable character who experiences the world like us, but none of us are getting cured so seeing this character we learned to love become something alien from us in the end feels like a slap in the face
I thought I’d finally make a post explaining the complicated situation about my vision. Includes an explanation of visual snow and exotropia, two of the three causes for my vision issues.
Someone asked what being blind and falling in love have to do with each other. Honestly, blindness changes your perspective on everything and it makes an impact on every relationship you have. This includes some things that you definitely do not want your character’s love interest to be/do.
You know those flow charts of “should you do x?” going around? It’s like that, but screen reader friendly. Should you write blind jokes. It’s pretty complicated and there are a lot of possible scenarios and details to consider.
In this I discuss what I would like to see done in fanfiction with Toph’s character after ten years of reading Avatar the Last Airbender fanfiction
It’s became a popular question, so to make the answer easier/faster for everyone to access, I wrote what will usually be my initial answer. Below there are a few links to some notable past questions on this subject.
A small personal essay addressing the nuances of the mourning period you experience with a new disability. The mourning period is mentioned in other guides, but this is more detailed.
While Molly talks about the myths and truths about heightened senses, I talk about the correlation with blindness and neuro-divergency and how co-morbid disorders/disabilities might affect sensory processing.
a:tla, I’m looking at you (and my eyes aren’t blank)
My grandmother told me about her blind aunt and how she sent letters. It led me to speculate about all the O&M things people develop on their own but never get a chance to pass onto other blind people. Technology and techniques are lost in history and reinvented, including the white cane ad guide dogs.
Includes a little history on the introduction of guide dogs into the 20th century
The Following are Answered Anon Questions
Making Your Blog More Accessible
Terms, Definitions, and Practical Advice
Writing Blind Characters
(In one of my original guides I said I was sure most blind people would not go to bars. A few years later, I’ve now realized that sentiment is influenced by my gender, not my disability.)
-New- Researching Blind Historical Figures
I took a disability studies class focusing on Helen Keller’s complicated legacy. My professor gave us the option to get creative with our final projects, so I gathered all the research I had for three blog posts.
My extensive historical research on the accessibility tools Keller had in her lifetime
I talk about her writing, her politics as a socialist and suffragette, her love for animals and nature, her brief history as a performer on stage, and how she became the face for Blind Advocacy. This includes lots of photos of Keller with image descriptions I wrote.
-This includes:
- Her family history as the daughter of a Confederate Captain
- Growing up on a plantation that formerly held slaves
- How she met Alexander Graham Bell and the negative influence both had on the Deaf community
- Her sexuality and falling in love (and why that was so controversial)
- Her stance on eugenics and her internalized ableism
- The Miracle Worker (1963) movie- how it became the most popular depiction of Keller, why it’s problematic, and how it damaged her legacy
- The 2020 TikTok Controversy and #HelenKellerwasfake
